Private MD Health Newshttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/news.phpHealth News from Private MDResearchers may have found molecular explanation for schizophreniahttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Wellness/Researchers-may-have-found-molecular-explanation-for-schizophrenia$561073.phpOne of the most mysterious neurological ailments is schizophrenia. Only recognized as an official medical condition in the past few decades, the causes of this disease are relatively unknown. However, researchers at Tel Aviv University may have found a cause that could led to new treatments for schizophrenia.

Published in Nature's Molecular Psychiatry, the lab tests were led by Illana Gozes, Ph.D., at Tel-Aviv University. The team of researchers discovered that a process of cell-maintenance called autophagy was decreased in the brains of patients with schizophrenia.

"We discovered a new pathway that plays a part in schizophrenia. By identifying and targeting the proteins known to be involved in the pathway, we may be able to diagnose and treat the disease in new and more effective ways," said Gozes.

Her team identified that decreased levels of the protein beclin 1 were present in the hippocampus of schizophrenia patients. This region relates to the brain's learning and memorization abilities. The lack of beclin 1, which is an essential part of starting autophagy, indicated that designing drugs to boost the levels of the protein could be a new way to treat schizophrenia.

Their findings could advance the development of tests for diagnosing schizophrenia, as well as improve overall understanding and treatment of the disease.

Understanding autophagy
When unnecessary cellular components begin to build up, autophagy acts like a maid and cleans up the clutter. Essential to cellular health, this process uses the cell's membrane to immerse the dysfunctional components and consume them. Autophagy has been previously linked to Alzheimer's disease, because when the process is impeded, cells begin to die. When this occurs in the brain, mental diseases can develop.

Once Gozes' team members determined the significance of beclin 1 levels, they began testing blood samples of the study's participants. While they found no difference in the protein's levels, they did discover elevated levels of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein, or ADNP. This specific protein was found to be an important aspect of the brain's functions and formation.

Diagnosing schizophrenia with ADNP
After discovering the increased levels of ADNP, the researchers suggested that the brain may boost the protein when autophagy begins to fail. This could potentially lead to schizophrenia being diagnosed by a simple blood test rather than an assortment of documented symptoms.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating brain disorder that affects 1 percent of Americans, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The standard treatment typically involves antipsychotic medication that has been known to become increasingly ineffective over time.

The research team's results could change doctors' future approaches to diagnosing and treating schizophrenia.

]]>General WellnessTue, 31 Dec 2013 15:44:50 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Wellness/Researchers-may-have-found-molecular-explanation-for-schizophrenia$561073.phpEvidence suggests Type 2 diabetes may be inflammatory diseasehttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Hormones_and_Metabolism/Evidence-suggests-Type-2-diabetes-may-be-inflammatory-disease$561487.phpThe risk of an individual developing Type 2 diabetes increases along with weight gain. The most common form of diabetes, researchers from Denmark recently revealed evidence that Type 2 may be an inflammatory disease.

Published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, the study's scientists conducted lab tests on mice and discovered that a specific type of immune cell enters the diabetic tissue of the pancreas during the early stages of the disease. Once they have invaded the organ, these cells produce pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines, which contribute to the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This breakdown leads to the development of diabetes.

The researchers compared healthy mice to obese ones that had developed diabetes. The obese mice were studied from a young age when diabetes was in early development until an age when multiple organs began to show symptoms of systemic complication. Under this observation, the scientists noticed the presence of the immune cell macrophages around the beta cells of the spleen and pancreas.

"The study may provide novel insights allowing development of tailor-made anti-inflammatory based therapies reducing the burden of Type 2 patients. These novel treatments may prove to complement existing therapies such as insulin and GLP-1 analogues," said Alexander Rosendahl, Ph.D., a member of the research team from the Department of Diabetes Complication Biology at Novo Nordisk A/S in Denmark.

This kind of research shows the significance inflammation has in the expansion and severity of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The hope is that the findings from this study will lead to new immune-based therapies that will help manage the symptoms of diabetes and improve the quality of care for patients.

Learning about Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 causes the body to either not produce enough insulin or ignore insulin intake. When people eat, sugars and starches are broken down into glucose, which insulin uses to create energy for the body. When glucose builds up in the blood and does not move to the cells, organs can begin to lose productivity. Additionally, the body's cells may become starved for energy.

According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 2 accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases in the U.S. Typically, management of the disease calls for specific meal plans and taking diabetic medicines, as well as staying physically active.

]]>Hormones and MetabolismThu, 02 Jan 2014 12:53:56 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Hormones_and_Metabolism/Evidence-suggests-Type-2-diabetes-may-be-inflammatory-disease$561487.php'Good' and 'bad' cholesterol levels healthy for the brainhttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Wellness/Good-and-bad-cholesterol-levels-healthy-for-the-brain$560805.phpManaging cholesterol levels can be a balancing act for some individuals as they work to prevent the risks associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, a new study published in JAMA Neurology detailed the link of cholesterol levels with amyloid plaque buildup that can cause Alzheimer's disease.

Led by Bruce Reed, Ph.D., the lab tests were carried out at the University of California-Davis Alzheimer's Disease Center in Sacramento. The 74 participants in the study were 70 years of age or older and were recruited from support groups, senior facilities and stroke clinics around California. Of the participants, 38 had mild cognitive impairment, 33 had no impairment and three had mild dementia. In order to measure their amyloid levels, the researchers used a tracer that bonded to the plaques and were imaged by PET scans.

Their cholesterol tests showed that high levels of LDL (bad) and low levels of HDL (good) were associated with a bigger buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. This marked the first time that cholesterol levels have been correlated to the buildup of amyloid.

"Our study shows that both higher levels of HDL - good - and lower levels of LDL - bad - cholesterol in the bloodstream are associated with lower levels of amyloid plaque deposits in the brain," explained Reed, associate director at the Alzheimer's Disease Center.

Although increased cholesterol has been tied with Alzheimer's disease before, the team's study specifically connected unhealthy patterns of cholesterol to deposits of amyloid in living human participants. The link similarly mirrors the relationship that irregular hypertension numbers has with the development of heart disease.

Not adhering to new guidelines
Following the recent update to cholesterol guidelines provided by a collaborative study involving the American College of Cardiology, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association, the experts suggested LDL levels should be altered. However, Reed's study strays away from this report with its results.

"This study provides a reason to certainly continue cholesterol treatment in people who are developing memory loss regardless of concerns regarding their cardiovascular health," Reed concluded.

Their findings may suggest that older patients can modify their cholesterol in order to decrease amyloid buildup in the brain. Doing this early enough can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life, which has been the focus of years of scientific and drug research.

Knowing 'good' from 'bad'
Cholesterol levels might be one of the most complex medical topics in the field. Too much "good" cholesterol or not enough "bad" could put an individual at higher risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke. It's important to understand the differences between them and how cholesterol interacts with the body.

There are two sources of cholesterol: food and the body. Roughly 75 percent of blood cholesterol is produced by the liver and other cells. The rest comes from food, which is only found in products from animals.

"Good" cholesterol is HDL and "bad" cholesterol is LDL, both of which can be determined by cholesterol testing. HDL helps prevent heart attacks and stroke by keeping LDL from clogging arteries. Many people inherit genetic cholesterol problems from their parents, causing their bodies to produce too much LDL.

According to the American Heart Association, an HDL level of 60 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) of blood is ideal in protecting against the risk of heart disease. If a person's HDL drops below 40 mg/dL, the risks of health problems increase. The optimal level for LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL. Once LDL levels approach 160 to 180 mg/dL, the possible risks begin to rise.

]]>General WellnessTue, 31 Dec 2013 12:05:47 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Wellness/Good-and-bad-cholesterol-levels-healthy-for-the-brain$560805.phpHIV-positive patients treated with ART have increased life expectancyhttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Health/HIV-positive-patients-treated-with-ART-have-increased-life-expectancy$560185.phpFollowing thorough examination of participants from the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design, researchers have determined that HIV-positive patients treated with antiretroviral therapy have a higher life expectancy than ever before. Published in the journal PLOS ONE, their results estimated that a 20-year-old adult living with HIV may live into their early 70's, an age similar to that of the general population.

Led by Hasina Samji, a doctoral student at the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, the team from the Canadian university worked with the NA-ACCORD to determine the efficacy of ART on life expectancy for HIV-positive individuals. More than 23,000 patients, aged 20 or older, were examined based on mortality rates from the early 2000's. The scientists discovered that between 2000 and 2007, the average lifespan of an HIV-positive individual on ART jumped from 36.1 to 51.4 years. There was no gender bias, as both men and women had comparable expectancies throughout the study.

However, expectancy was considerably lower for individuals that began ART with low CD4 count, which are cells that accumulate to kick start the immune response to HIV, than those with a higher count. Additionally, a history of drug use via injections decreased life expectancy as well.

Using ART for HIV
Since there is currently no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy is essential in preventing the virus from spreading and destroying the immune system. ART also works to prevent the development of AIDS as a result of depleted levels of CD4. Without treatment with ART, individuals who progress to AIDS typically only survive another three years. However once a patient contracts, such as a cancer related to infections, his or her life expectancy drops to almost one year or less.

The progression of HIV is different for every person, but there are certain factors that may affect the stages of the infection at different rates. Some circumstances that may influence the time between HIV and AIDS are poor nutrition, severe stress and older age. Health care providers work closely with their patients to improve the quality of care and life.

The findings from Samji's study show an improvement in the longevity of life and give hope to HIV-positive individuals on ART. While more lab tests and studies are needed for specificity, approaching the life expectancy of the general population is a huge step forward in HIV testing and treatment.

]]>General HealthMon, 30 Dec 2013 14:35:07 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Health/HIV-positive-patients-treated-with-ART-have-increased-life-expectancy$560185.phpStudy shows addicts offered less STD testing at for-profit facilitieshttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/HIV/Study-shows-addicts-offered-less-STD-testing-at-for-profit-facilities$560032.phpAccording to a study carried out at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the number of drug treatment programs that offer both HIV and STD testing has fallen. This was driven by the decline of nonprofit and public programs, the researchers

Led by Marcus Bachhuber, M.D., and Chinzao Cunningham, M.D., the team reviewed information gathered by the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, which is conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It is distributed to treatment facility directors and has a very high response rate of more than 95 percent. The scientists analyzed results from 2002 to 2011 for trends in treatment programs and HIV/STD testing.

In 2000, the number of opioid treatment programs in the country was at 849. By 2011, that number had risen to 1,175. Over the study's 12 years, the amount of non-profit facilities decreased from 43 percent to 36 percent, while for-profits rose to 54 percent from 43 percent. Additionally, programs directly run by federal and local governments reduced from 14 percent to 10 percent.

Coinciding with the decline of non-profit drug treatment facilities was a dip in HIV and STD testing. STD tests dropped down to 13 percent and HIV tests slipped to 18 percent. Throughout the study, onsite exams for these diseases did not change much over time with more than 75 percent of facilities offering testing.

The researchers concluded that their results suggest people may face higher risks for late diagnosis and continued passing of disease due to a decrease in beneficial non-profit treatment facilities. Individuals who believe they may have contracted an STD might consider ordering lab tests online to determine their status.

The high costs of drug addiction
Other than the direct complications from drug use involving various forms of opiates, injecting drugs is a well-known way to contract deadly diseases such as HIV and increases the risks of STDs.

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the abuse of illicit drugs and other harmful substances costs the U.S. an estimated $600 billion in expenses related to crime and health care. Alcohol is the main contributor however, with nearly $235 billion going towards overall expenditure on substance abuse.

The impact of addiction can be widespread, as it can lead to various health complications such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and HIV/AIDS.

]]>HIVMon, 30 Dec 2013 12:29:54 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/HIV/Study-shows-addicts-offered-less-STD-testing-at-for-profit-facilities$560032.phpStudy finds potential target for rare tissue cancerhttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/Study-finds-potential-target-for-rare-tissue-cancer$558798.phpResearch published in the online journal Cell Reports reveals that a team of scientists from the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center discovered a new method through lab tests to treat an incurable type of tissue cancer. The researchers found that removing a specific protein may completely eliminate the cancer.

Led by Lu Le, Ph.D., the team discovered that impeding the function of the protein BRD4 resulted in the death of cancer cells in an animal model of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, or MPNSTs. These growths are aggressive sarcomas that develop sporadically around the nerves. Half of MPNST cases occur in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 3,500 people. Typically, surgical removal has been the preferred treatment method for MPNST despite its level of difficulty due to the location of the tumors near the nerves. While chemotherapy and radiation therapy are alternative options, their effectiveness is restricted.

Learning about NF1
NF1 is characterized by changes in the coloring of the skin. Patients with this condition experience tumor growth along the nerves of the brain, skin and other parts of the body. Almost all people with NF1 have flat patches of skin that are darker than the area around them. Most adults develop noncancerous tumors underneath the skin, however, cancerous tumors do sometimes grow along the nerves in some cases. Patients with NF1 are at a higher risk for developing brain tumors and leukemia than others.

Due to the rarity of MPNST, studies such as Le's are needed to further research improved treatments for patients.

"This study identifies a potential new therapeutic target to combat MPNST, an incurable type of cancer that is typically fatal. The findings also provide important insight into what causes these tumors to develop," explained Le, senior author of the study and assistant professor of Dermatology at UTSW.

In MPNST, the levels of BRD4 are unusually high and this prevents the cancer cells from dying. To fight his reaction, the scientists administered a compound to impede BRD4 and found that the tumors shrank.

"These treatments suppressed tumor growth and caused the cancer cells to undergo apoptosis, or cell death. This is why BRD4 inhibition is exquisitely effective against MPNSTs and may represent a paradigm shift in therapy for these patients," Le continued.

Working with similar BRD4 drugs
The university is currently working with a pharmaceutical company to develop a drug similar to the BRD4 inhibitor in order to run clinical trials with patients who have MPNST. In trials for treatment of leukemia and another type of lung cancer, the same class of drug is being experimented with.

With constant advancements in cancer screening and blood testing, doctors hope to continually improve the quality of care for cancer patients.

]]>Cancer Detection and Tumor MarkersThu, 26 Dec 2013 13:23:56 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/Study-finds-potential-target-for-rare-tissue-cancer$558798.phpAntioxidant could lead to new treatment for multiple sclerosishttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Autoimmune_Diseases/Antioxidant-could-lead-to-new-treatment-for-multiple-sclerosis$559426.phpMore than a dozen years ago, scientists developed the antioxidant MitoQ to fight damage within human cells. Recently, researchers at Oregon Health and Sciences University discovered through lab tests that this same drug helped with symptoms of a multiple sclerosis-like disease found in animals.

Published in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta Molecular Basis of Disease, the study's team was led by P. Hemachandra Reddy, Ph.D., from the Division of Neuroscience at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center. As part of their study, the scientists had mice contract a disease similar to MS in humans called experimental autoimmune encephalomyeltisis, or EAE. It is a disease of the nervous system in rodents that is commonly studied as an animal model of MS. Afterward, the mice were split into four separate groups based on specific parameters: one group had EAE only, one was administered the antioxidant then given EAE, one was induced with EAE then given MitoQ, and finally, the control group had no disease or treatment.

After two weeks of observation and blood testing, it was discovered that mice treated with MitoQ both before and after being given EAE exhibited signs of increased activity in the neurons of the spinal cord, a location of the brain most commonly affected by MS. It was clear that treatment with the antioxidant drastically improved the quality of health in the mice. These results could lead to a completely new method of treatment for humans living with MS, which affects more than 2 million people around the world.

"The MitoQ also significantly reduced inflammation of the neurons and reduced demyelination. These results are really exciting. This could be a new front in the fight against MS," explained Reddy.

Although there were significant results in their study, human trials are still years away from being conducted. Next, Reddy and his team will be examining how MitoQ protects the brain cells of the mice with EAE.

What is multiple sclerosis?
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system and is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, wherein the immune system actually works against the body and attacks healthy tissue. As a result, MS can cause slurred speech, tremors, memory problems or paralysis.

While there is no cure, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved certain medications that impede the progress of MS. The hope is that with continued research such as the study conducted by Reddy and his team of researchers, MS can be more treatable in the near future.

]]>Autoimmune DiseasesFri, 27 Dec 2013 15:17:50 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Autoimmune_Diseases/Antioxidant-could-lead-to-new-treatment-for-multiple-sclerosis$559426.phpConcussions may be related to Alzheimer's diseasehttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Wellness/Concussions-may-be-related-to-Alzheimers-disease$559194.phpAccording to a new study, a history of concussions involving momentary loss of consciousness might be linked to plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer's disease. Published in Neurology, a journal of the American Academy of Neurology, researchers conducted lab tests on brain scans of elderly participants in the Minnesota area.

The team of scientists, led by Michelle Mielke, Ph.D., examined brain scans of adults aged 70 or older in Olmsted County. In the group, 448 people had no signs of memory problems and 141 had minor cognitive problems. Additionally, the participants were asked if they had experienced any loss of consciousness or memory as a result of receiving trauma to the brain.

The researchers found that out of the 448 participants with no cognitive issues, 17 percent stated that they had experienced a brain injury. On the other hand, of the 141 people with a history of memory difficulties, 18 percent reported they had experienced a concussion or another form of head trauma.

Additional research into the participants' brain scans showed that the individuals with thinking impairments and a history of concussions had levels of Alzheimer's-associated plaque buildup 18 percent higher than those without a history of brain trauma. However, the team found no changes in brain scan measurements of the participants without memory issues.

"Interestingly, in people with a history of concussion, a difference in the amount of brain plaques was found only in those with memory and thinking problems, not in those who were cognitively normal," Mielke said.

Although their research is compelling, Mielke felt that the lack of a link between the plaque buildup and participants without thinking problems means more research needs to be done, as the relationship is complex and requires in-depth analysis.

The dangers of concussions
Many news outlets have been covering the threat of concussions, especially when associated with high-contact sports such as football and hockey. Repeated instances of concussions can lead to many long-term complications later in life. According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals who have experienced a concussion are twice as likely to develop epilepsy within the first five years after sustaining the trauma.

One of the biggest threats of concussions is second impact syndrome. This occurs when an additional concussion is received before the symptoms of the first one have dissipated. It can result in rapid and deadly swelling of the brain.

It is important that individuals seek medical assistance if they feel they have experienced trauma to the brain.

]]>General WellnessFri, 27 Dec 2013 11:24:53 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Wellness/Concussions-may-be-related-to-Alzheimers-disease$559194.phpResearchers discover cause of aging that may be reversiblehttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/DNA,_Paternity_and_Genetic_testing/Researchers-discover-cause-of-aging-that-may-be-reversible$558495.phpFindings published in the December issue of Cell detail the astounding results from lab tests conducted to determine the cause of aging in mammals. Led by David Sinclair, Ph.D, the team was able to restore cell communication pathways that breakdown and essentially discovered a possible method of reversing the aging process.

"The aging process we discovered is like a married couple - when they are young, they communicate well, but over time, living in close quarters for many years, communication breaks down. And just like with a couple, restoring communication solved the problem," explained Sinclair, professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass.

Inside cells, mitochondria carry out essential functions for the body by generating chemical energy and communicating with the nucleus. As this cellular conversation breaks down, the process of aging begins to accelerate. This dysfunction of cells is what causes age-related medical conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. According to the team, scientists have always been hesitant to believe the effects of getting physically older could be reversed due to the theory that these diseases centered around aging are the result of irreversible mutations at the genetic level.

Working with SIRT1
The scientists found that one gene in particular, called SIRT1, was an important piece of the genetic puzzle of aging. To test the importance of SIRT1, the researchers studied mice whose SIRT1 gene had been removed. While the mice showed dysfunction of the mitochondria and other signs of aging, they were shocked to discover that many of the proteins coming from the nucleus of the cell were normal. Through further investigation, their research revealed a significant breakdown between the genomes of the cell's nucleus and mitochondria, with SIRT1 acting as a guard to prevent any interference in communication. Without it, the cells lose their ability to make energy and signs of aging and disease become prevalent. Sinclair's team was able to stabilize this breakdown with a compound that repairs the broken network and restores mitochondrial function.

After administering the compound for just one week, Sinclair's team found that the mice's insulin resistance, muscle wasting and inflammation instances had resemblance to that of 6-month-old mice. To equate this to human years, it is as if a 60-year-old converted to a 20-year-old.

"There's clearly much more work to be done here, but if these results stand, then many aspects of aging may be reversible if caught early," Sinclair concluded.

Now, the researchers are examining the long-term effects of their compound and how it affects the entirety of the mouse. They plan to test the compound further to determine if it can potentially extend the life of the mice.

]]>DNA, Paternity and Genetic testingTue, 24 Dec 2013 15:42:54 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/DNA,_Paternity_and_Genetic_testing/Researchers-discover-cause-of-aging-that-may-be-reversible$558495.phpNew method could make chemotherapy more effective against pancreatic cancerhttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/New-method-could-make-chemotherapy-more-effective-against-pancreatic-cancer$558273.phpResearchers from the University of Manchester who conducted numerous lab tests have discovered a potential new method that makes chemotherapy treatments more effective against pancreatic cancer. An aggressive cancer with limited options for treatment, the scientists believe they have found a strategy that kills cancer cells without damaging healthy ones.

Led by Jason Bruce, M.D., from the Physiological Systems and Disease Research Group, the team discovered that cancer cells in the pancreas possibly have their own energy supply that maintains low levels of calcium and keeps the cancer alive. To examine their hypothesis, the researchers used cells from human tumors and blocked the two energy sources that operate within them.

Mitochondria and glycolysis are the two main sources of energy in cells, with the former generating about 90 percent of the cells' energy. However, there is a shift in the cells toward glycolysis as the main source when it comes to pancreatic cancer. In their tests, the team blocked the two sources and made an exciting discovery. The results, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, showed that when glycolysis was blocked, the calcium pump became inhibited, which caused a toxic overload of calcium and the death of cells.

"It looks like glycolysis is the key process in providing ATP fuel for the calcium pump in pancreatic cancer cells. Although an important strategy for cell survival, it may also be their major weakness. Designing drugs to cut off this supply to the calcium pumps might be an effective strategy for selectively killing cancer cells while sparing normal cells within the pancreas," explained Bruce.

The threat of pancreatic cancer
Their research is very integral to improving the quality of care for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is one of the most aggressive and deadliest cancers that, according to estimates from the American Cancer Society, killed more than 38,000 people in 2013 alone. Most patients' symptoms develop after tumors have begun to spread to other organs, making early screening and blood testing significant to the survival potential due to the cancer's resistance to chemotherapy and radiation.

The team's findings can change the way pancreatic cancer is handled, as a new approach to develop effective treatment was necessary. Even though the lifetime risk of developing this cancer is a little more than 1 percent, the rates of pancreatic cancer have been slowly increasing over the last 10 years. The link between energy suppliers in cancer cells may lead to further revolutionary research that alters future treatment methods.

]]>Cancer Detection and Tumor MarkersTue, 24 Dec 2013 10:47:22 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/New-method-could-make-chemotherapy-more-effective-against-pancreatic-cancer$558273.phpSpike in cases of STDs in Oregon countyhttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Sexually_Transmitted_Diseases/Spike-in-cases-of-STDs-in-Oregon-county$557921.phpA county in Oregon is experiencing an increase in cases of sexually transmitted diseases, with both gonorrhea and syphilis leading all other cases by a significant margin. Public health officials in Lane County worry about the prevalence and are asking doctors and residents to be more vigilant in prevention and reporting.

According to Disease Surveillance Data from the state's Public Health Department, Oregon has seen a large increase in the number of reported syphilis cases over the last six years, while gonorrhea has remained at stable numbers in the same amount of time. However, by the end of November 2013, Lane County had more than 200 reported cases of gonorrhea, a 60 percent increase from 2012. While the number of syphilis cases is relatively small at 23, the previous pattern in the area was one or two cases per year.

"Occasionally, if you look over a 10-year period, we do have little outbreaks of sexually transmitted diseases. This one is lasting longer than we want, and it's significantly higher than we want, so it's concerning," said Paul Luedtke, Lane County Public Health Officer.

While Luedtke places blame on a few different trends, the economic recession can take a large portion of it. The unemployment rate in the area rose above 10 percent, leaving many of the county's citizens without access to affordable health care. This can have many negative implications when it comes to STD testing due to a lack of diagnoses and reporting. In order to curb this concern, Lane County restarted the practice of clinics open once a week to see patients with STDs.

Additionally, Luedtke would also like physicians to research deeper into diagnoses and treatments of various STDs, specifically gonorrhea and syphilis. The previously recommended dosage for treating gonorrhea was 125 milligrams of the antibiotic ceftriaxone, however, the number is now 250 mg, as the bacteria developed a stronger resistance to the drug.

The use of ceftriaxone
While it is used to treat various infections, the antibiotic is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of gonorrhea and meningitis. It may also be administered before surgery to prevent any surgical site infections from developing, as it works to kill bacteria. A distinct advantage of being prescribed ceftriaxone is that it is fast acting, with most cases being cleared within one to two weeks of use.

If an individual is worried about his or her risk of gonorrhea, syphilis or other STDs, he or she should consider online lab tests in order to identify the presence of any harmful bacteria.

]]>Sexually Transmitted DiseasesMon, 23 Dec 2013 14:57:40 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Sexually_Transmitted_Diseases/Spike-in-cases-of-STDs-in-Oregon-county$557921.phpPre-op antibiotics can protect against surgical infectionshttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Health/Pre-op-antibiotics-can-protect-against-surgical-infections$557848.phpEven though surgeons exercise thorough caution to prevent infections that can result from surgery, sometimes their development is unavoidable. However, lab tests conducted at the Rambam Medical Center in Israel revealed the benefit of taking antibiotics before procedures in order to reduce the chance of SSIs, or surgical site infections.

Published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, a journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the study's researchers examined the effects of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in heart surgery patients. Their results discovered that taking antibiotics two hours before a procedure greatly decreased the risk of SSIs. Out of the 2,637 patients in the study, only around 8 percent developed an infection when given the drugs during the specified time frame, compared to the almost 14 percent of patients who developed an SSI when administered antibiotics outside of the two-hour window.

"Antimicrobial prophylaxis can reduce the risk of SSIs following many operations, however, that efficacy diminishes or disappears if antibiotics are given either too early or after incision. Despite the general acceptance of this concept in guidelines, wide variations in preoperative antibiotic administration practices have been reported," explained lead author Renato Finkelstein, M.D.

The team carried out a 10-year cohort study with the overall goal of making their new two-hour guideline a wide-reaching rule for all surgeons. They investigated the efficacy of preoperative antibiotics being used up to two hours before the first incision was made. Any antibiotics administered at a different time ranged from either three hours before or after surgery. By the near end of the experiment, the team also discovered that their idea of optimal protection had been adopted by nearly all the participants.

Preventing SSIs
While it is possible to treat surgical infections with dosages of antibiotics, there is the risk that a second surgery could be necessary to remove deeper infections. To decrease the likelihood of developing an SSI, there are some steps to take to prevent any risks of infection.

Patients should talk to their doctors about any additional medical problems they may have, including allergies to medications or diabetes. These kinds of conditions could negatively impact surgery and any postoperative treatment. Also, they should not shave the area that is being operated on, as razors can cause skin irritation that facilitates the development of infection.

After surgery, patients and their loved ones should take extra care in washing their hands and using hand sanitizer to kill germs. Additionally, patients can order online lab tests to identify any presence of bacteria in their systems.

]]>General HealthMon, 23 Dec 2013 13:51:49 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Health/Pre-op-antibiotics-can-protect-against-surgical-infections$557848.phpNew treatment for pancreatic cancer developed by UK researchershttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/New-treatment-for-pancreatic-cancer-developed-by-UK-researchers$556879.phpFollowing lab tests that used a drug that erodes the barrier surrounding cancer tumors, researchers have possibly discovered a new method for cancer treatment. Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Scienes this procedure permits the human body's immune system to attack and destroy pancreatic cancer cells.

The team of scientists from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute at the University of Cambridge developed a technique that allows cancer-attacking T cells to pass through the tumors' protective barriers and destroy the malicious cells. Initial tests of the treatment, combined with an antibody that blocks a second target, resulted in almost total elimination of cancer cells in only one week. The success of this method is not restricted solely to pancreatic cancer tumors, as it could potentially be used in other types of cancers.

Led by Douglas Fearon, Ph.D., the research team established that the barrier was created by a specific protein that materialized from a connective tissue cell called carcinoma-associated fibroblast, or CAF. The protein coated the cells and acted like a biological shield that drove away T cells. This effect was counteracted by the implementation of the drug, which prevented the T cells from interacting with the protein.

"We observed that T cells were absent from the part of the tumor containing the cancer cells that were coated with chemokine, and the principal source of the chemokine was the CAFs. Interestingly, depleting the CAFs from the pancreatic cancer had a similar effect of allowing immune control of the tumor growth," explained Fearon.

In the past, patients with pancreatic cancer have not responded positively to immunotherapy, even though it is an effective form of treatment for other solid tumors. Much like the animal form of pancreatic cancer that the researchers tested, the tumors in humans also create this barrier.

By administering the drug along with immunotherapy antibodies, the scientists enhanced the activation of the T cells. This resulted in the size of the tumor and the number of cancer cells decreasing immensely. Within one week, the remaining tumor was left with nothing but premalignant and inflammatory cells.

This new combination treatment of immunotherapy and the drug allows the patient's body to fight cancer with its own immune system. Potentially, it could greatly improve future treatment of solid tumors.

What is immunotherapy?
This type of cancer treatment comes in a variety of forms that each work in different ways. Some train the immune system to specifically attack cancer cells, while others simply boost it in a general manner. Typically, immunotherapy works to strengthen the immune system's response to cancer cells and, sometimes, gives it man-made proteins to bolster its defensive mechanisms.

This method works better for some types of cancers more so than others. While it may be used on its own, many cancers are treated with a combination of immunotherapy and some other types of cancer treatment, such as prescription medication or radiation.

Although there are various ways to administer immunotherapy, there are three forms that are the most common. These are cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and non-specific immunotherapies.

Cancer vaccines are put into the body to spark an immune response against certain diseases. Even though vaccines are typically thought of as medicine given to healthy people to prevent dangerous infections, some are effective in treating cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are man-made versions of proteins found in the immune system. Because they can be designed for specificity, these antibodies can be very helpful in treating cancer. Lastly, non-specific antibodies work to bolster the immune system in a traditional manner. However, this might still result in a stronger defense against cancer cells in the body.

]]>Cancer Detection and Tumor MarkersFri, 20 Dec 2013 10:35:10 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/New-treatment-for-pancreatic-cancer-developed-by-UK-researchers$556879.phpDNA clamp could improve cancer screening methodshttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/DNA-clamp-could-improve-cancer-screening-methods$556581.phpLab tests as part of an international research project have helped design a DNA clamp that detects genetic mutations with greater efficiency than ever before. These results could vastly improve quick screening of genetic diseases such as cancer and provide advances in the field of nanotechnology.

"The results of our study have considerable implications in the area of diagnostics and therapeutics because the DNA clamp can be adapted to provide a fluorescent signal in the presence of DNA sequences having mutations with high risk for certain types [of] cancer," explained Francesco Ricci, Ph.D., co-author of the study from the University of Rome Tor Vergata.

A growing number of mutations have been identified as risk factors for the development of serious diseases, including cancer. Previous groups have attempted to design an effective and inexpensive method to quickly detect these malicious mutations, but this DNA clamp is one of the first successful attempts. The clamp designed by Ricci's team distinguishes between both mutated and non-mutated strands of DNA with improved efficiency. This is especially significant because it allows for better specificity for determining what kinds of cancer patients have or are at risk of developing.

Working with a triple-helix
Watson and Crick's original hypothesis, before they won the Nobel Prize for the double-helix, was that a triple-helix was the structural form of DNA. In some cases, DNA architectures do form in the shape of triple-helixes. Because they knew this could occur, the researchers based their DNA clamp off of this hypothesis. The clamp forms a third helix and attaches itself to the DNA strand, which allows the protein sequences to form stronger bonds. Additionally, it gives more specificity to diagnoses.

"Beyond the obvious applications in the diagnosis of genetic diseases, I believe this work will pave the way for new applications related in the area of DNA-based nanostructures and nanomachines. Such nanomachines could ultimately have a major impact on many aspects of healthcare in the future," concluded fellow study author Kevin Plaxco, Ph.D., from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

The DNA clamp is one of many recent advances in the field of cancer detection. The research team's next course of action will be carrying out lab tests with the clamp on human DNA sequences. If they are successful, it could lead to serious developments in cancer screening and treatment.

]]>Cancer Detection and Tumor MarkersThu, 19 Dec 2013 16:20:13 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/DNA-clamp-could-improve-cancer-screening-methods$556581.phpModest weight loss may reduce health risks in middle-aged womenhttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Health/Modest-weight-loss-may-reduce-health-risks-in-middle-aged-women$556267.phpAccording to a report released by the American Heart Association, overweight or obese middle-aged women who lost modest amounts of weight over a two-year span reduced their cholesterol levels and improved the outlook on their health. Lab tests helped determine a decrease in glucose and insulin numbers, possibly leading to a positive impact on the risk of developing diabetes or heart disease.

Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study examined a group of 417 women at an average age of 44 who weighed around 200 pounds at the beginning of testing. The participants who experienced a 10 percent or greater loss of their body weight also reduced their total cholesterol and inflammation markers. Women who benefited most from the modest weight loss had the highest risk levels before the study began.

"It is challenging to lose weight, but if women commit to losing 10 percent of their body weight and sustain that over time, it can have a large impact on overall risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes," said Cynthia Thomson, Ph.D., co-author and director of the University of Arizona Canyon Ranch Center for Prevention & Health Promotion in Tucson.

There are numerous factors that might affect weight gain in women who are middle-aged, including repeated pregnancies and sedentary jobs and lifestyles. According to Thomson, a large percentage of American women feel they weigh much more at middle-age than they did in their younger years.

"The good news is that when you lose weight long-term, you just don't move to a smaller dress size, you are actually moving these risk factors markedly and likely reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes," concluded Thomson.

Working with health care providers
Researchers believe that women who excel in short-term programs continue to do well in the first six months of weight loss. With the risk of developing poor health conditions due to obesity and poor diets, health care providers should assist their patients in controlling their weight. They should provide long-term support with weight loss and work to assess risk factors of diabetes or heart disease.

Additionally, patients can help themselves by ordering lab tests online to test their cholesterol levels and keep their diet in check. Constant monitoring of their health can go a long way in preventing malignant conditions from emerging later in life.

]]>General HealthThu, 19 Dec 2013 12:00:41 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Health/Modest-weight-loss-may-reduce-health-risks-in-middle-aged-women$556267.phpNew guidelines for blood pressure could mean less pill takinghttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Wellness/New-guidelines-for-blood-pressure-could-mean-less-pill-taking$556059.phpMore than 10 years ago, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute published guidelines regarding blood pressure treatment targets and recommendations for drug prescriptions. After initially stating it would not be updating new guidelines, the NIH has released an updated report and it could change how hypertension is treated across the board.

The previous guideline stated that all adults should aim to have a systolic blood pressure below 140 millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg. Individuals with diabetes had an even lower target number, sitting at less than 130 mm Hg. Although the NIH still recommends those numbers for adults under the age of 60, it states that those 60 years of age and older should strive for an easier target of 150 mm Hg or lower. Despite these changes, the definition of hypertension still remains the same.

One significant difference between the NIH guidelines and the cardiovascular guidelines released by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association last month is in risk assessment. According to Eric Peterson, M.D., in an editorial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the NIH's hypertension guidelines for assessing patient risk will result in less treatment for the elderly, while the ACC/AHA guidelines will lead to increased treatment in those individuals.

It is important to note that although the recommendations in the new guidelines are based on evidence from extensive research, they should not be used to replace clinical judgment from a medical professional.

Treating high blood pressure
High blood pressure remains one of the most preventable contributors to death and disease in the U.S. Abundant data from controlled experiments show the benefits of drug treatment to decrease blood pressure and improve the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with hypertension.

Even though a doctor may prescribe specific medication to control levels of blood pressure, he or she might also recommend certain changes to a patient's lifestyle to further decrease hypertension. These changes might include eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and cutting out smoking.

There are dozens of medications available that have certain pros and cons attributed to them. Individuals who feel they may be at risk can order lab tests online to determine their risk of hypertension and developing complications from high blood pressure.

]]>General WellnessWed, 18 Dec 2013 18:22:22 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Wellness/New-guidelines-for-blood-pressure-could-mean-less-pill-taking$556059.phpMonkey vaccine study may advance HIV vaccine researchhttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Infectious_Diseases/Monkey-vaccine-study-may-advance-HIV-vaccine-research$555942.phpFollowing a vaccine study to determine if monkeys could be protected against contracting simian immunodeficiency virus, or SIV, the animal equivalent to HIV, researchers have uncovered fresh insight into HIV vaccine research. The mechanism that prompts protection from the disease may prove to be comparable in treatment for humans.

To identify the process of protection from SIV, the research team examined amino acid sequences that were viral and the monkeys' immune system responses. Their goal was to determine measures of immune responses in the animals that predict protection from SIV. The results showed that antibodies that attacked the virus were sufficient in prevention of the disease.

Utilizing the results of their study, team leaders Mario Roederer, Ph.D., and John Mascola, M.D., discovered that both HIV and SIV used similar methods to escape the immune system. The viral spikes that were resistant to neutralization in SIV tended to cause infection. To combat this resistance, the scientists administered new amino acid sequences that changed the resistant spikes to sensitive ones, thus altering their composition and neutralizing infectious cells. Lab tests conducted on viral HIV cells had a similar effect. According to Mascola and Roederer, the reasons for the success or failure of future vaccine trials in human HIV will be more apparent if scientists take their amino acid research into consideration and work to decrease neutralization resistance in infectious cells.

HIV vaccine research
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, vaccines are scientists' best weapon against deadly and infectious diseases such as smallpox, measles and yellow fever. Currently, there is no vaccine to cure HIV due to its unique method of attacking and eluding the human immune system. Because of this, scientists do not have a clear plan on how to provide adequate immune protection from the virus.

The NIAID supports biomedical research in order to further education for scientists on HIV and to assess the most promising vaccine candidates. Finding an effective and durable vaccine to HIV is their top goal, however, they also examine compounds that can alter or deter the disease in order to improve the quality of life for HIV patients. Many lab tests for vaccine research involve blood testing of human HIV samples to determine efficient paths to vaccination and increase the hope for the possibility of a cure.

]]>Infectious DiseasesWed, 18 Dec 2013 16:28:05 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Infectious_Diseases/Monkey-vaccine-study-may-advance-HIV-vaccine-research$555942.phpNew lab test can detect chlamydia in less than 20 minuteshttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Sexually_Transmitted_Diseases/New-lab-test-can-detect-chlamydia-in-less-than-20-minutes$555749.phpResearchers have developed a new qualitative and quantitative procedure for swift detection of chlamydia that can be easily carried out at the point of care during a patient's visit. Being able to rapidly identify one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases that affects humans is the result of successful lab tests and is a massive step forward in the treatment of STDs.

Published in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, the research was led by Ulo Langel, Ph.D., professor of molecular biotechnology at the University of Tartu in Estonia.

The procedure detects chlamydia directly from urine samples as opposed to the traditional method of purifying total DNA from samples, which is a far more tedious process. Because of this, the new method eliminates the necessity of specialized equipment, reducing the cost of chlamydia detection procedures and taking up less time. Its simplicity makes it applicable to various point-of-care environments, from private practices to large-scale hospitals.

Current techniques for testing the presence of chlamydia are only acceptable for hospital use with professionally trained staff and expensive machinery that small practices typically cannot afford. Some studies have also shown that half of patients who come in for exams do not return to receive results or adequate treatment. Even though numerous point-of-care lab tests have previously been established, none of them are as efficient as hospital exams. Analysis showed the reliability of the new procedure, with sensitivity at 83 percent and specificity of diagnosis at 100 percent.

"The alarmingly poor performance of the available POC tests for C. trachomatis has limited their wider use, and there is a clear requirement for more sensitive and cost-effective diagnostic platforms. Hence, the need for an applicable on-site test that offers reasonably sensitive detection," affirmed Langel.

Chlamydia in the US
As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the U.S., with an estimated 2.8 million cases being reported every year. In 2011, more than 1.4 million cases were recorded from the 50 states.

Chlamydia affects between 5 and 10 percent of the population and is especially common among adults under the age of 25. Its prevalence is a major health concern because a large number of cases go unreported due to most people not displaying symptoms or going through blood testing. Untreated cases can lead to serious health issues such as infertility in men or, in women, spreading to a newborn within the womb.

It is important that sexually active individuals utilize lab tests online at their disposal to properly detect chlamydia.

]]>Sexually Transmitted DiseasesWed, 18 Dec 2013 14:01:30 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Sexually_Transmitted_Diseases/New-lab-test-can-detect-chlamydia-in-less-than-20-minutes$555749.phpLink found between blood cancer in women and airborne allergenshttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Female_Specific_Tests/Link-found-between-blood-cancer-in-women-and-airborne-allergens$554913.phpA research team looking into the interaction between cancer and the immune system has discovered a link between blood cancer risk in women and a history of airborne allergies. The lack of an association with men suggested that a possible gender-specific function in chronic stimulation of the immune system might lead to the development of blood-related cancers.

Published in the American Journal of Hematology, the study showed the immune system's probable role in causing cancer and is a central point of scientific interest. Materials for the study were gathered from previous lab tests on voluntary participants.

To get their results, Mazyar Shadman, Ph.D., and his team from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center drew on a large sample of men and women who were part of the VITamins and Lifestyle study, which examined the association between cancer risk and supplement use. The participants, aged 50 to 76 years old, answered a questionnaire that centered on three major factors: diet, health history and cancer risk factors, and medication and supplement use. They also provided personal information such as age, race/ethnicity, diet, medical history and family history of lymphoma.

Finding the link
The study sought out links between various subtypes of allergies and blood-related malignancies in the participants. They found a strong association between B-cell neoplasms, a major category of lymphoma, and a history of airborne allergies, such as plants, grass and trees. Neoplasms are both cancerous and noncancerous conditions in which too many plasma cells are produced by the body. When the team divided the results by gender, they noticed the incidence of blood cancers in response to airborne allergens was higher in women than with men, although the reason for this is unknown.

"It is tempting to speculate that the additional effect of allergy may reach statistical significance in women because of their lower baseline risk for the development of hematologic malignancies compared to men. However, hormonal effects on the immune system and interactions with carcinogenesis may offer an alternative biological explanation that will require further mechanical studies, in particular if our findings are replicated in an independent study cohort," explained Shadman.

While the findings are intriguing to the scientific community, the team does recognize that there are certain limitations when it came to their results.

"Given the limited number of cases within each subtype of hematologic cancer, the risk estimates need to be interpreted with caution … and the possibility of chance finding due to multiple testing should be recognized," Shadman concluded.

Regardless, the research is significantly beneficial to the study of allergens and cancer risks in women. When faced with risk, blood testing and lab tests online are a useful way to screen for any histories of allergies and blood-related diseases.

]]>Female Specific TestsTue, 17 Dec 2013 11:47:49 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Female_Specific_Tests/Link-found-between-blood-cancer-in-women-and-airborne-allergens$554913.phpDust from homes with dogs may prevent asthma, allergieshttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Allergy_Testing/Dust-from-homes-with-dogs-may-prevent-asthma--allergies$554787.phpFollowing a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, there are new findings that suggest dust from homes with dogs may be beneficial in protection from the effects of asthma and allergies. Studying the immune responses of mice in lab tests, the research team found that dog-associated dust played a significant role in reducing allergy inflammation.

The team was made up of scientists from the University of Michigan, Georgia Regents University in Augusta, Henry Ford Health System in Detroit and the University of California, San Francisco. Their collaborative effort was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

In the lab test, the researchers took dust from the home of a dog owner and exposed half of their mice to it, leaving the other half unprotected when they doused them in asthma-related irritants such as cockroach allergen. The group of mice introduced to dog dust showed lower airway inflammation and less mucus production than the mice that received no dust at all. What they discovered was that microbes in the dog dust were actually restructuring the organisms living in the mice's guts. This affected the mice's immune response and their ability to combat certain allergens.

They found that the bacteria Lactobacillus johnsonii was responsible for the increased resistance to the allergens, as they fed a live form of it to the unexposed mice and saw their immune systems responded similarly to those of the dust-exposed mice.

These results have the potential to create new strategies for treating and preventing allergy infections and asthma.

Asthma and allergies in America
As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma is one of the most common long-term diseases of children in the U.S. In 2010, there were an estimated 7 million cases of child asthma in the country. It is an expensive disease, as the average treatment cost for a patient can be almost $1,000 per year. Every year, the country spends $56 billion on asthma-related treatment and medication.

Additionally, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America said that almost 50 million Americans have some form of allergies. There is no cure for them, however, with proper medication and treatment the effects can be drastically reduced. Allergies are the fifth leading chronic disease among all ages of people in the U.S. and are the third most common chronic disease among children under the age of 18.

Because allergies have a genetic component, individuals who feel they are at risk may want to consider lab tests online or blood tests to determine their likelihood of developing allergies.

]]>Allergy TestingTue, 17 Dec 2013 10:31:16 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Allergy_Testing/Dust-from-homes-with-dogs-may-prevent-asthma--allergies$554787.phpPennsylvania researchers reduce toxicity levels in ALShttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Musculoskeletal_Diseases/Pennsylvania-researchers-reduce-toxicity-levels-in-ALS$554390.phpBetter known by its common name, Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal disease that destroys muscle strength and eventually leads to full-body paralysis. A new study conducted in animal models by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has found a way to reduce the toxicity of ALS that slows deteriorated neurons and can possibly be attributed to cells in mammals.

Published in the journal Nature Genetics, the study's research team has possibly uncovered a new strategy for ALS treatment by working with a fruit fly model of the disease. Led by senior author Nancy Bonini, Ph.D., the scientists have made progress in understanding the way that ALS moves and attacks the nerve cells. In a lab test, the flies were genetically altered to express the human version of a gene that binds to RNA and has been found to be abnormal in patients diagnosed with ALS. In recent years, there has been a large increase in the understanding of ALS at the genetic level, which is why the team was examining this specific gene.

"There's been an explosion over the last five-plus years in the identification of genes that contribute to genetically inherited ALS," explained Bonini.

The flies that expressed symptoms that could be correlated to ALS in humans were injected with a compound that was meant to restore physical mobility and increase muscle strength, reversing the effects of degeneration. After injection, the scientists found that the flies were able to fly higher and climb faster, giving hope that the same progress could eventually arise in human models.

The results show advancement in the treatment strategy for ALS going forward, as well as the benefits of using simple animal models to shed light on human neurological diseases.

Important facts on ALS
Often called Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS affects nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. As the motor neurons between the brain and spinal cord begin to deteriorate and die, a patient's ability to control muscle movement is lost. As a result, patients are almost fully paralyzed by the later stages of the disease.

Early symptoms of ALS typically include muscle weakness, specifically in the arms and legs, as well as in speech, swallowing or breathing. Without motor function, muscles begin to waste away and become thin over time.

Currently, there is no known cause behind ALS, but recent scientific research has brought doctors closer to understanding the disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the usage of riluzole, which works to impede the progression of ALS, however, it only extends the average life span by a mere three months.

Hopefully, the lab tests conducted by the University of Pennsylvania team will help lead to the development of a new drug that can bring about a better quality of life for patients with ALS.

]]>Musculoskeletal DiseasesMon, 16 Dec 2013 14:20:16 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Musculoskeletal_Diseases/Pennsylvania-researchers-reduce-toxicity-levels-in-ALS$554390.phpIs physical activity more effective than prescription medication^http://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Heart_Health_and_Cholesterol/Is-physical-activity-more-effective-than-prescription-medication^$553225.phpA new study showed that exercise can be as effective as prescription medication at treating some of the leading causes of death in the United States. The results, published in the British Medical Journal, question whether our country's health care system is too focused on medication as treatment and not promoting physical activity enough.

The comparative study was conducted by Huseyin Naci, London School of Economics and Political Science graduate student, and John Ioannidis, M.D., director of the Stanford Prevention Research Center at the Stanford University School of Medicine. They wanted to research how well exercise and prescription drugs reduced deaths among people who had been previously diagnosed with one of four different medical conditions: diabetes, stroke, chronic heart failure or heart disease.

Very few researchers have compared the effectiveness of medication and exercise, yet comparative effectiveness studies are important parts of pharmaceutical research. Naci and Ioannidis compiled data from 305 medical experiments that revolved around one of the four conditions they were researching. What they discovered was that out of all the studies, only 57 examined exercise as a method of treatment.

Using these numbers, the two researchers cross-referenced results from cases where participants were either prescribed medication, put on strict exercise regimens, or both. Typically, a prescribed exercise routine would include aerobic activity and some form of weight-training. The results of their cross-referencing were revelatory: exercise consistently showed similar results to medication when it came to treating life-threatening conditions.

Exercise as beneficial as medicine
"When compared head to head in network meta-analyses, all interventions were not different beyond chance. Our results suggest that exercise can be quite potent in treating heart disease and the other conditions," explained Ioannidis.

People with heart disease and diabetes who were prescribed exercise instead of traditional medication had the same risk of dying or surviving as patients on prescription medication. Interestingly, patients who had suffered strokes had a reduced risk of dying when they were made to exercise compared to those taking drugs. However, it was noted that drugs were more effective than exercise when it came to patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure.

The findings also highlight how infrequently exercise is considered as an alternative to prescription medication.

"We are not suggesting that anyone stop taking their medications. But maybe people could think long and hard about their lifestyles and talk to their doctors about whether exercise could and should be incorporated into their care," concluded Naci.

Without further lab tests and comparative studies, researchers cannot confidently say that exercise is better than medication. Individuals who feel they are at risk of one of these four conditions should look into lab tests online to determine their risk levels.

]]>Heart Health and CholesterolThu, 12 Dec 2013 17:05:56 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Heart_Health_and_Cholesterol/Is-physical-activity-more-effective-than-prescription-medication^$553225.phpDrug cuts cases of breast cancer in halfhttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Female_Specific_Tests/Drug-cuts-cases-of-breast-cancer-in-half$552825.phpA study conducted by a team of researchers at Queen Mary University of London showed that breast cancer development in high-risk women decreased by 53 percent when taking the drug anastrozole. These findings could lead to a new option in cancer prevention for postmenopausal women.

Published in the Lancet, the study gathered nearly 4,000 female participants who were postmenopausal and had high risk of developing breast cancer. Half of the women were given a placebo pill, while the rest were given 1 milligram of anastrozole every day. Lab tests were conducted and reviewed for five years, and the researchers reported that 85 women in the placebo group developed breast cancer, compared to only 40 in the anastrozole group.

"This research is an exciting development in breast cancer prevention. We now know anastrozole should be the drug of choice when it comes to reducing the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with a family history or other risk factors for the disease. This class of drugs is more effective than previous drugs such as tamoxifen and crucially, it has fewer side effects," explained lead researcher Jack Cuzick, Ph.D.

Some side effects from estrogen-depriving drugs include sharp aches and pains, however, they found that the anastrozole group had similar reactions compared to the placebo group. This likely meant that the effects were not drug related and that worries in the past about the possible side effects were overemphasized.

"This landmark study shows that anastrozole could be valuable in helping to prevent breast cancer in women at higher than average risk of disease. We now need accurate tests that will predict which women will most benefit from anastrozole and those who will have the fewest side-effects," affirmed Kate Law, director of clinical research at Cancer Research UK.

The next step for these researchers will be to recommend that anastrozole be added to doctors' lists of drugs for breast cancer prevention.

"By including this drug in their clinical guidelines, more women will benefit from this important advancement in preventive medicine," concluded Cuzick.

Currently, the drug Arimidex is prescribed to patients for breast cancer prevention, as it inhibits estrogen in postmenopausal women. Following the results of this study, the usage of anastrozole as treatment could begin to rise.

Menopause and cancer risk
The risk of developing cancer increases as women age due to the development of menopause. Women who have been through natural menopause and are older are more likely to develop cancer. Additionally, some cancer treatments do result in menopausal symptoms in both men and women.

Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness and mood swings. Individuals who feel they are at risk should look into lab tests online in order to screen themselves for risk factors.

]]>Female Specific TestsThu, 12 Dec 2013 12:10:04 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Female_Specific_Tests/Drug-cuts-cases-of-breast-cancer-in-half$552825.phpCases of STDs in South Dakota on the risehttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Sexually_Transmitted_Diseases/Cases-of-STDs-in-South-Dakota-on-the-rise$552308.phpA report released this month noted that the number of sexually transmitted disease cases in South Dakota has risen from the median average of the last five years. Published by the state's Department of Health, the results detailed the increase in cases of gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and chlamydia.

According to the findings, HIV and chlamydia rose the least, with instances for both in the neighborhood of 22 and 25 percent increases, respectively. However, it was gonorrhea and syphilis that saw the biggest spike in cases, as their numbers were up by 76 percent and 1,050 percent, respectively.

Many STDs can go untreated, as they do not display noticeable symptoms. For instance, those infected with HIV would display symptoms equivalent to that of a flu or common cold. Because of this, these diseases are not detected unless specifically tested for.

"Sometimes you'll never know. It's simply found by screening and that's the scary part," said Melissa Shefl, a physician's assistant at the Sanford Health Vermillion Clinic in South Dakota.

"The majority of the people we see are 15- to 24-year-olds, and that is your student as far as high school student to a college student," added registered nurse Joan Beach, a member of the Family Planning department at Vermillion.

In order to spread HIV awareness on college campuses, Planned Parenthood and the Sanford Health Clinic work together throughout the year, teaching the importance of practicing safe sex and getting tested regularly for STDs.

Facts about STDs in America
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated in a February 2013 report that in a single year, there are almost 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases. These can cost the American health care system nearly $16 billion in direct costs alone. Additionally, the CDC noted that young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 make up almost half of all the newly reported cases in the country.

Some of the most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis. There is no gender bias when it comes to STDs, as the CDC went on to report that the split between men and women living with STDs is 49 percent and 51 percent, respectively.

Since the cost of treatment can be catastrophic, it is imperative that those at risk should screen themselves for any traces of disease. The availability of home blood testing and lab tests online can help prevent the spread of STDs and HIV.

]]>Sexually Transmitted DiseasesWed, 11 Dec 2013 15:01:56 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Sexually_Transmitted_Diseases/Cases-of-STDs-in-South-Dakota-on-the-rise$552308.phpHope for treating childhood tumor found through gene sequencinghttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/Hope-for-treating-childhood-tumor-found-through-gene-sequencing$551612.phpA cancer that is most commonly found in the muscle and soft tissues of children may have a new treatment available after gene sequencing lab test results were released this month. The findings, published in the scientific journal Cancer Cell, bring fresh hope to those with the rare and fast-spreading tumor.

Members of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project found that by using drugs that intensify a process called oxidative stress, the cells of rhabdomyosarcoma died off. Additionally, the drugs could fortify the efficacy of chemotherapy against the tumors from the soft tissue cancer.

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen and the body's ability to repair the damage. This study offers the first insight into the benefits of using drugs already on the market to treat cancer cells. Following gene sequencing of the rhabdomyosarcoma tumor, the team was also able to provide new clues as to why tumors come back even after treatment.

"Overall, survival for patients with recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma is just 17 percent, and until now nothing was known about how tumors evolve in response to therapy," said Michael Dyer, Ph.D., corresponding author of the study and a member of the St. Jude Department of Developmental Neurobiology.

Using their results, the researchers plan to expand their biopsies to rhabdomyosarcoma tumors that recur in patients.

"Studies like the current one involving rhabdomyosarcoma are giving us a close-up look at the way cancer evolves in response to treatment," explained fellow study author Richard Wilson, Ph.D., director of The Genome Institute at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Based on the blood testing and drug screening of tumor samples from patients, this study could lead to new options in therapies and cancer treatments.

Facts on rhabdomyosarcoma
A malignant tumor of the muscles that are attached to bones, this cancer is most commonly found in children. It can be found in many places, such as the head and neck, as well as the urogenital tract.

The cause of this cancer is currently unknown, as it is very rare and only a few hundred cases are reported in the United States every year. Although gene mutations and birth defects may play a part in elevating the risk of developing rhabdomyosarcoma, the large majority of children with the cancer do not possess any known risk factors.

It is a very difficult cancer to detect, as many of its symptoms are not substantial enough to warrant further screening. Early diagnosis is essential because rhabdomyosarcoma, also known as soft tissue sarcoma, can quickly spread to other parts of the body. Some tests may include blood testing, CT scans, biopsies and MRIs.

Aggressive treatment is necessary with rhabdomyosarcoma, yet long-term survival is achievable for most patients. Chemotherapy or radiation, or a combination of both, would be used to treat the cancer before or after surgery.

The Pediatric Cancer Genome Project
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis collaborated and launched the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project in 2010. Some of the most aggressive and rarest cancers that affect children have been examined by the PCGP. They have completely sequenced the normal and cancer genomes of 700 young cancer patients. The group works to compare the completed genomes in order to find differences in DNA structure that identify genetic mistakes that lead to cancer.

Through their studies, they have improved the knowledge of childhood cancers down to their genetic origins, as well as helped advance the potential of future diagnostic and treatment tools for cancer.

]]>Cancer Detection and Tumor MarkersTue, 10 Dec 2013 14:59:45 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/Hope-for-treating-childhood-tumor-found-through-gene-sequencing$551612.phpNew drug approach could lead to cures for multiple diseaseshttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Hormones_and_Metabolism/New-drug-approach-could-lead-to-cures-for-multiple-diseases$551052.phpFollowing research conducted by the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, a new approach to treating misfolded proteins could lead to cures for a wide range of diseases. Lab tests carried out on mice may bring about revolutionary changes in treatment for ailments such as cystic fibrosis and cataracts.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was led by Michael Conn, Ph.D., former professor of physiology and pharmacology at OHSU. His team looked to discover a new method to fix misfolded proteins and restore them to make cells function correctly. Using male mice incapable of fathering offspring, the researchers were able to cure the mice and perfect the process through lab testing. They believe the same treatment could be used on humans.

"The opportunity here is going to be enormous because so many human diseases are caused by misfolded proteins. The ability of these drugs - called 'pharmacoperones' - to rescue misfolded proteins and return them to normalcy could someday be an underlying cure to a number of diseases," affirmed Conn.

Previously, scientists believed inactive proteins were naturally non functional. But Conn and his team of researchers showed that when the proteins were misfolded, their purpose was rerouted and caused a malfunction. The pharmacoperones are used to correct the routing problem and correctly fold proteins for functioning.

"We expect that these studies will change the way drug companies look for drugs, since current screening procedures would have missed many useful pharmacoperone drugs."

According to Conn, the next step in the process will be clinical trials on humans.

What are misfolded proteins?
Lab tests show that misfolded proteins are caused by genetic mutations and are capable of retaining their function but are incorrectly routed in the cell and lead to disease. A wide range of ailments are caused by these proteins, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cystic fibrosis and different types of diabetes.

According to Nature Education, misfolded proteins develop a toxic configuration but are still able to communicate with native proteins around them. When this occurs, they repeat their function in a loop, intensifying their toxicity until they eventually impair function or kill the cell.

At the moment, there is no definitive treatment for prevention of these diseases. However, with the conclusions drawn by Conn and his research team, as well as improvements in blood testing and the increased availability of lab tests online, doctors and patients can start to hope for a cure in the near future.

]]>Hormones and MetabolismMon, 09 Dec 2013 16:38:37 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Hormones_and_Metabolism/New-drug-approach-could-lead-to-cures-for-multiple-diseases$551052.phpNew lab test shows possible HIV curehttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Infectious_Diseases/New-lab-test-shows-possible-HIV-cure$550873.phpNew findings presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America showed a significant breakthrough in HIV research. A team of scientists from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine testing the efficacy of radioimmunotherapy on patients treated with antiretroviral therapy have successfully destroyed HIV-infected cells, giving new life to the hope of curing HIV infection.

Led by lead author Ekaterina Dadachova, Ph.D., the team was looking at the shortcomings of highly active antiretroviral therapy when it came to curing HIV. While HAART succeeded in suppressing the replication and spread of the virus, it failed to completely eradicate the cells. Scientists believe that leftover infected cells remained in the body after treatment, preventing a permanent cure.

"In an HIV patient on HAART, drugs suppress viral replication, which means they keep the number of viral particles in a patient's bloodstream very low. However, HAART cannot kill the HIV-infected cells," explained Dadachova, professor of radiology, microbiology and immunology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

During their study, the researchers carried out blood testing using RIT on samples from HIV patients who were previously treated with HAART. Previously used to treat cancer, RIT uses cloned cells to determine and counteract antigens that cause an immune response in the body. Once injected into the patient's bloodstream, the cloned cells travel to the targeted infected cells where the radiation therapy is applied.

"In RIT, the antibodies bind to the infected cells and kill them by radiation. When HAART and RIT are used together, they kill the virus and the infected cells, respectively," continued Dadachova.

Conducting their lab tests using collaborative therapy, the team discovered that RIT reduced the blood samples' levels of HIV infection to undetectable numbers.

"The elimination of HIV-infected cells with RIT was profound and specific," Dadachova affirmed.

Moving forward, their next step is clinical trials with HIV patients using the combination of RIT and HAART treatments.

Treatment of the brain and nervous system
A large concern was the therapy's effectiveness on the brain and central nervous system of HIV patients. While antiretroviral therapy can penetrate part of the brain, it does not do so completely. As a result, the infected cells can still wreak havoc on cognitive brain functions, causing disorders and a decline in mental health.

According to Dadachova's research, RIT killed all HIV-infected cells within the brain and the nervous system.

]]>Infectious DiseasesMon, 09 Dec 2013 14:01:40 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Infectious_Diseases/New-lab-test-shows-possible-HIV-cure$550873.phpLab tests with magnetic fields cure cancer in micehttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/Lab-tests-with-magnetic-fields-cure-cancer-in-mice$550254.phpScientific researchers at Nanoprobes, Inc. have been working with magnetic nanoparticles in a quest to cure cancer. The study, published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine, is one of the biggest breakthroughs in cancer research to date.

Senior scientist James Hainfeld, Ph.D., and his team have been working on a cure for cancer through magnetic nanoparticles for almost six years. Originally, it was hypothesized that by injecting iron particles into a cancerous tumor, the abnormality would cook itself and be destroyed. It was dangerous, as toxic levels of iron were needed to overload the tumors and it was harmful to the rest of the body. Hainfeld set out to make a nontoxic form of the particles in order to solve the problem. Working with fellow researcher Hui Huang, they were able to put a biocompatible shell on the outside of the nanoparticle, rendering it capable of safely traveling through the body.

Newly formed blood vessels on tumors tend to leak anything of a certain size into the blood. Knowing this through lab tests, Hainfeld sized his nanoparticles to slip from the blood vessels and attack the tumors.

Through blood testing, they found that the tumors developed a concentration of iron 16 times higher than the surrounding healthy tissue. Their next step was placing the mice inside an alternating magnetic field, with the hope of overheating and subsequently liquefying the tumors. Watching through an infrared camera, they saw the newly injected tumors spike to lethal temperatures while the rest of the body remained unharmed.

After an injection of the magnetic nanoparticles and a three-minute stint in a magnetic field, 80 percent of the cancer-laden mice were completely cured.

Good news for combination therapy
Chemotherapy works with heat to eradicate tumors, however, its efficiency is notably limited when it comes to deeply embedded growths. With the possibility of magnetic field heating, this treatment could work better, as the nanoparticles would attack the tumors directly. Additionally, the new method would save significantly more brain cells that are typically destroyed during surgery or radiation.

"After so many years in the trenches, I tend to be cautious, but I've never seen such promising results. We're very hopeful," affirmed Hainfeld.

In preparation of the Food and Drug Administration approval, the National Institutes of Health recently granted the research company $1 million worth of equipment for further lab tests.

]]>Cancer Detection and Tumor MarkersFri, 06 Dec 2013 15:31:54 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Cancer_Detection_and_Tumor_Markers/Lab-tests-with-magnetic-fields-cure-cancer-in-mice$550254.phpReduce obesity and blood pressure to prevent heart-related ailmentshttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Health/Reduce-obesity-and-blood-pressure-to-prevent-heart-related-ailments$548604.phpAn international research team consisting of members from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Mass., has found that taking regular cholesterol tests to monitor and control blood pressure may cut the risk of heart-related diseases in half. Published in The Lancet, the report details the threat of heart disease and stroke from high blood pressure in obese individuals.

According to the American Heart Association, obesity generates a high risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other coronary afflictions. An estimated 60 to 70 percent of the U.S. population is overweight, leading to heart disease and stroke being the foremost causes of death in the country. High blood pressure, additionally, can result in both of these ailments.

The findings gathered from the study show that high blood pressure posed the greatest risk of the three conditions, responsible for increases of 65 percent in the risk of stroke and 31 percent in heart disease.

"Our results show that the harmful effects of overweight and obesity on heart disease and stroke partly occur by increasing blood pressure, serum cholesterol and blood glucose. Therefore, if we control these risk factors, for example through better diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, we can prevent some of the harmful effects of overweight and obesity," affirmed Goodarz Danaei, Sc.D., assistant professor of global health at HSPH and senior author of the study.

Reducing risk of heart disease and strokeBlood testing and lab tests can help determine cholesterol levels and diagnose high blood pressure, but measures can be taken beforehand to fight against these conditions. The AHA suggested changes in diet and lifestyle may reduce the risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Participating in about six hours of aerobic activity per week can strengthen the heart vessels and decrease cholesterol and plaque buildup in arteries.

"Controlling hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes will be an essential but partial and temporary response to the obesity epidemic. As we use these effective tools, we need to find creative approaches that can curb and reverse the global obesity epidemic," concluded co-author and professor of global environmental health Majid Ezzati, Ph.D.

With almost three-quarters of Americans considered obese, the results from this study can be used by doctors to better treat their patients and improve the standing of their health.

]]>General HealthWed, 04 Dec 2013 11:34:49 GMThttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/General_Health/Reduce-obesity-and-blood-pressure-to-prevent-heart-related-ailments$548604.phpNew method of measuring breast density could improve screening processeshttp://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Breast/New-method-of-measuring-breast-density-could-improve-screening-processes$548486.phpAccording to a study revealed at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, lab tests show that changes in the density of women's breasts as they age have strong ties to the risk of breast cancer. Utilizing a new method of measurement and a focus group comprised of breast cancer patients and healthy women, the report was able to determine that women without cancer experienced a steady decline in breast density as they aged compared to those with cancer.

"Women under age 50 are most at risk from density-associated breast cancer, and breast cancer in younger women is frequently of a more aggressive type, with larger tumors and a higher risk of reoccurrence," stated Nicholas Perry, M.B.B.S., senior author of the study and director at the London Breast Institute in England.

The American Cancer Society recommended that women should get an MRI in addition to a full mammogram if they are at risk of breast cancer, as mammograms sometimes do not detect cancer given the density of a patient's breast. Even then, MRIs are only suggested for those at high risk of developing cancer.

Perry and his collaborators worked with nearly 600 participants, split evenly between women with cases of breast cancer and healthy patients. The women went through full mammograms, while the breast density was measured using a new system designed by the team at LBI.

"In general, we refer to breast density as being determined by mammographic appearance, and that has, by and large, in the past been done by visual estimation by the radiologist - in other words, subjective and qualitative," Perry explained.

Using a new system of density measurement, the researchers employed an algorithm that made breast density more assessable than it has been in the past. The updated formula could prove to be extremely beneficial in later screenings for breast cancer.

The future of testing for cancer
While the ACS advocated yearly mammograms for women after they hit 40, the findings in this study could alter the usual course of actions for cancer screening.

"This is not likely to diminish the current ACS guidelines in any way, but it might add a new facet regarding the possibility of an early mammogram to establish an obvious risk factor, which may then lead to enhanced screening for those women with the densest breasts," speculated Perry.

The implementation of Perry's algorithm could lead to a decrease in false-positive diagnoses from mammograms and MRIs in addition to advancement in screening processes. With lab tests online and improvements in blood testing, the success rate of cancer prevention could begin to increase in the near future.